The Way We Live Now

Today we hear from a caller who was once on life support about how the experience shifted her entire world view; Kendra, a listener who finds comfort in the little moments she shares with her nine-year-old daughter; and a woman with bipolar II disorder who has come up with her own strategy for managing her days in quarantine. To share your story—and to connect with others about how they’re living now—visit our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thewaywelivenowpod Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The host of this podcast looks back on the intimate, thought-provoking conversations she’s had over the past 57 episodes, and describes the way she’s living now. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of a beloved East Coast retreat center misses the magic that happens when we gather together in person to learn, or to celebrate, or to mourn. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An E.R. doctor describes an unsettling decrease in emergency room visits, and wonders just how many patients in need of urgent care are avoiding the hospital due to fears of COVID. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A creative writing teacher, author, lawyer, and activist — balancing multiple careers, a son with special needs, a teenage daughter, and a husband — unwinds at the end of the day by driving around with no destination in mind. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A psychotherapist and Buddhist teacher discusses the hard truths many of us are being forced to confront while our busy lives are on hold. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A writer and musician feels resentful of the growing carelessness she sees in public spaces, knowing that her parents—both nurses—continue to put their lives on the line every day. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A psychiatrist and medical anthropologist, who became his wife’s primary caregiver after she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, shares what he’s learned about the transformative experience of caring for those who are too ill to take care of themselves. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A yoga teacher learns to get comfortable with the discomfort of knowing that we live in an unpredictable, uncontrollable world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we hear from Alicia, an English teacher who got a grim preview of life during lockdown during video chats with her students in China; Tanya, a school food services director in Paradise, CA, which is still recovering from the devastating wildfire that swept through in 2018; and Gail, who recently took on the strange, heartbreaking task of planning a Zoom funeral for her mother. To share your story—and to potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A breast cancer surgeon is back in the O.R., operating on patients who had to put off major procedures during lockdown. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The obituary editor for The Boston Globe fields requests from grieving families dealing with a unique kind of pain right now: the understanding that they can’t say a proper goodbye to their loved ones. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A woman new to organizing decides to hold a small protest in her Connecticut town—and is moved to tears when she sees how many people show up to march alongside her. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A farmer in Connecticut is stunned—and grateful—to see his business booming as his customers embrace a slower pace of life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we hear from Kristen, a new mom who has real reservations about the world she’ll be raising her daughter in; Danica, a mental health professional who can’t keep up with the demand for her services; and Julie, an artist questioning whether she really wants to go back to the way things were. To share your story—and to potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Nashville-based singer-songwriter reimagines her live performances, and celebrates the little things with her 10-year-old, who has autism. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An author and anti-racism activist hopes the commitment to change persists once everyone heads back to their workplaces, schools, and houses of worship. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A documentary filmmaker with a rare neurological disorder draws strength from a community of people who know what it’s like to live with chronic illness. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A single writer who had just started dating for the first time since her divorce navigates a new, promising relationship. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we hear from Emily, who is trying to manage a family member’s scary mental health crisis; a listener who admits she’s resorted to hiding in her car in order to get some time alone; and Judith, who learned about the sudden death of her estranged husband just a couple weeks ago. To share your story—and potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A writer and professor in Mississippi reflectson this moment of reckoning.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two small business owners from upstate New York make the heartbreaking decision to shutter their beloved shop. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A flight attendant and yoga instructor stays grounded—literally and figuratively—during a two-month leave from his airline. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An author whose third book was published in early May tries to navigate a virtual book tour—and remain optimistic about the future of the novel she worked on for more than three years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we hear from Allie, who, in an effort to manage her anxiety, had finally gotten permission to start working from home one day a week; Meg, a nurse practitioner whose grown sons had lots of happy milestones to look forward to in 2020; and Sarah, who found herself despairing over the state of the planet long before the pandemic hit. To share your story—and potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our most beloved chroniclers of the natural world feels more connected than ever to the environment—and to her students, now scattered all over the globe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An NYC-based chef, quarantining with family in the city where he grew up, gains a new perspective on his hometown—and his place in it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Unitarian Universalist minister advocates for a new kind of spiritual practice—gratitude—one even the least religious among us can draw comfort from. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An up-and-coming actor in L.A. refuses to abandon her lifelong dream, instead using her time at home to get ready for her big break when restrictions lift. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we hear from Suzie, who has been unable to visit her parents in their assisted living facility down the road; Abby, whose six-year-old has some strong opinions about both the pandemic and her dad’s new haircut; and Robert, a truck driver who has seen both the best and the worst of humanity along his route. To share your story—and potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Alabama-based chef puzzles over the theft of his restaurant’s 18-foot barbecue rig, taken just days after his city’s stay-at-home order began. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A writer shelters in place with the very person she spent years trying to distance herself from: her 84-year-old mother, Rita. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A psychiatrist specializing in addiction talks about the unique challenges people in recovery are facing — and shares some advice for anyone worried that their coping mechanisms are doing more harm than good. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An indie rock star, accustomed to life on the road, now finds herself writing songs for her new album from her childhood bedroom. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we hear from Diana, a textile artist-turned-activist; Petra, a Londoner starting over after separating from her husband; Amy, a children’s book author juggling work and homeschooling her autistic son; and an American in Prague who was unable to come home due to travel restrictions. To share your story—and potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fourth-year medical student graduates early to join his colleagues on the frontlines of New York City’s pandemic response. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A university president tries to plan for an uncertain future — and considers ways to make his campus safe enough to welcome students back in the fall. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A writer and cancer survivor, leaning on lessons she learned while battling leukemia in her 20s, now helps others make meaningful connections as they adjust to life in isolation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owner of a famed small hotel in Positano, Italy — who would normally be making preparations for the busiest time of year — finds beauty and solace in his beloved village, and the unexpected gift of slowing down. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we hear from Valerie, a mobile dog groomer; Bethany, recovering from major surgery; Maritsa, a grocery store manager; and Jessica, who lost her home in the tornadoes that swept through Tennessee at the end of March. To share your story—and potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A motivational speaker gives herself — and us — permission to “rage on the page.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An independent bookseller is blown away by the outpouring of support from her customers — and is hosting virtual events that are larger than ever. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A food writer and cookbook author can’t sell her husband or daughter on her favorite comfort dish: soupy cabbage with cheese. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bioethicist predicts we’ll all emerge from this with a newfound appreciation of our offscreen connections. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we hear from a caller sheltering in place with her 94-year-old mother; Amanda, who just lost her partner to breast cancer; and Melinda, who gave birth to her second child last month. To share your story—and potentially be featured on an upcoming episode—leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A college sophomore, back under his parents’ roof after his semester abroad is cut short, celebrates his 21st birthday in quarantine Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nurse in NYC is haunted by the fact that her COVID patients have to suffer without loved ones by their side. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A comedian contemplates his overgrown beard, his overgrown backyard, and what happens when we all take a break from keeping up appearances.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A novelist and essayist living with late-stage Lyme and schizoaffective disorder opens up about Twitter, trauma, and trying to make art in the face of both her chronic illness and the troubling reality we now find ourselves in. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maureen, a teacher, Kiki, who works at a hospital, and Julia, an up-and-coming artist, share their stories. To be featured on an upcoming episode, leave us a voicemail at 909-713-8995. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.